Are you looking for a lucrative career in the booming IT industry? As a young professional in India, your search for a stable and well-paying job ends with IT engineering.
In this article, we will delve into the world of IT engineering salaries and its growth factors to help you understand what it takes to succeed as an IT engineer.
Who is an IT engineer?
An IT engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains information technology systems. They use their knowledge of computer science and engineering to create software and hardware solutions that meet specific business needs.
Responsibilities of an IT engineer
The responsibilities of an IT engineer include designing, developing, coding, testing, and maintaining software applications. They also ensure the security of computer systems by implementing measures to protect against cyber threats.
Skills required to be an IT engineer
To excel in these roles, you need to have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. You should be familiar with programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++, be adept at working with databases such as MySQL or Oracle and understand networking protocols such as TCP/IP.
Salary structure of IT engineers
If you are considering a career as an IT engineer, it is essential to understand the salary expectations associated with this profession.
- According to industry statistics, the average salary of an entry-level IT engineer in India is ₹4-5 lakhs per annum. However, with experience and additional skills, this figure can increase significantly.
- In mid-level positions such as Senior Software Engineer, Technical Lead or Project Manager, IT engineers can earn between ₹10-25 lakhs per annum.
- Meanwhile, experienced professionals working in higher positions such as Solutions Architect, Principal Engineer or Director of Engineering can earn upwards of ₹50 lakhs per annum.
Compared to other industries in India, IT engineering is one of the most lucrative industries. For example, a fresher in the IT industry can expect to earn more than counterparts entering fields such as finance or marketing. It is worth noting that salaries vary depending on the location and level of experience.
Factors affecting salaries
JOB ROLES
There are various job roles within the field of IT engineering that offer different levels of salary packages based on experience and skills. Some popular roles include software developers, network administrators, information security analysts and database administrators.
- According to industry data from PayScale.com, software developers are among the highest-paid professionals in this field. The average salary of a software developer ranges from ₹3-17 lakhs per annum depending on their level of expertise and years of experience.
- Network administrators also receive competitive wages with an average salary of ₹2-8 lakhs per annum. They are responsible for maintaining network infrastructure, installing and configuring hardware and software, and troubleshooting issues.
- Information security analysts are responsible for safeguarding their company's information systems from cyber threats. This is a highly specialised job role that pays well, with a typical annual salary ranging between ₹4-20 lakhs per annum.
- Database administrators are another important job role within the IT engineering industry. They are responsible for maintaining servers and databases to ensure secure data storage. The average salary for a database administrator in India ranges from ₹3-13 lakhs per annum based on experience levels.
LOCATION
Location plays a significant role in determining an IT engineer's salary. For instance, an IT engineer working in Delhi could earn more than their counterparts working in Chennai due to the difference in living costs. The table below highlights the average salaries of IT engineers across different Indian cities:
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Skills and experience are also essential determinants of an IT engineer's salary. The more skills or certifications one has, the higher their earning potential. For instance, an IT engineer with expertise in emerging technologies such as Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) is likely to earn a higher salary than an engineer with standard skill sets.
COMPANY SIZE
Finally, company size can impact the salaries of IT engineers. Large firms usually pay higher salaries compared to small startups or mid-sized companies. For instance, a software developer working at Infosys may earn more than one working at a small startup.
Education and Upskilling Opportunities
To pursue a career as an IT engineer, you need to have pursued science subjects like mathematics and computer science in 12th grade. You can then pursue a bachelor's degree programme in computer science, engineering, or information technology that typically lasts for four years. The average fees for these degrees range from ₹4L to ₹20L.
Several certificate courses can aid your upskilling process as well; these include AWS Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect, and Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate. The duration and fees of these courses vary.
To upskill yourself and get better job opportunities, you can also opt for certification courses such as CCNA, MCSE, RHCE, etc., which last anywhere between 2-6 months and cost between ₹20k-₹80k approximately, depending on the programme.
WiZR offers expert guidance to young professionals seeking career-focused programmes. Through WiZR's platform, you can access courses covering diverse topics like machine learning or cybersecurity that allow you to gain specialised skills.
Career Growth and Industry Trends
The Indian IT industry is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, which means that job opportunities for IT engineers are expected to rise.
Typically, a software engineer can move up the ranks from being a junior developer to a lead software engineer or architect within 8–10 years. The salary of an IT professional tends to increase by around 15-20% as they move up each level of seniority. To stay relevant in this fast-paced industry, it's essential to keep learning new skills and upgrading your knowledge.
Kickstart your career as an IT engineer
Overall, pursuing a career as an IT engineer can be lucrative, with high potential for growth in the future. By acquiring the necessary skills and expertise, you can expect to earn a comfortable salary and build a successful career in this dynamic field.
Remember that WiZR is always here to help guide your career growth with expert advice and financing options.
FAQs
1. How can I apply for work abroad as an IT engineer?
You can search for international job opportunities on job portals or register with recruitment agencies that specialise in placing IT professionals abroad.
2. Are there freelance work options for IT engineers?
Yes, freelance work is an option for IT engineers seeking flexible working arrangements and short-term projects.
3. Can I opt for upskilling while on the job?
Yes, many companies offer training programmes or reimbursements for employees who pursue relevant certification courses.
4. Who earns more: an IT engineer or a software engineer?
Both professions offer competitive salaries based on experience and specialisations; however, software engineers may earn slightly more due to their focus on software development.
